The Ultimate Hostage

Sabaody Archipelago, GR 1, God's Domain.

In stark contrast to the earth-shaking battle cries from GR 59, this place remained peaceful.

Bubbles drifted between the exquisite gardens and buildings.

At that moment, a bulky figure silently slipped through a side courtyard where the guards were relatively sparse.

Kuma moved with his body tensed, using the Paw-Paw Fruit to form cushions of air beneath his feet, eliminating all sound.

I need to finish the task Brother Lin Nuo assigned me quickly and get back to help—

Kuma spread out his Observation Haki, bypassed the palace, and finally locked onto a three-story pavilion from which music and laughter constantly drifted.

He observed it for a moment, then moved around to the side of the pavilion and raised his right hand. The paw pad in his palm glowed faintly.

"Pressure Cannon."

A silent blast of air shot out, sweeping aside the gauze curtain blocking his view.

Three Celestial Dragons in bloated spacesuits were sprawled across soft sofas.

Besides them, there were four men in tight black outfits in the room, likely their personal guards.

Just as one guard noticed something strange about the airflow and turned toward the window—

"Soru!"

Kuma's figure flashed into the room.

He moved quickly, pointing his right hand at the nearest guard.

At the same time, the paw pad on his left palm glowed faintly as a shockwave shoved toward another guard who had just reacted.

Puff! Puff!

The two guards collapsed almost simultaneously.

"Enemy attack!!" The remaining two guards drew their swords and slashed at Kuma.

"Iron Body: Empty Wood."

Kuma neither dodged nor retreated. His Armament Haki-covered arms took the slashes head-on while his other hand thrust forward through the air!

Boom! The shockwave erupted in a fan shape, flipping the guards over along with the